Autonomous pool cleaning robot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pool cleaning robots require significant human intervention for immersion and retrieval, making the process time-consuming and difficult.
Innovation Solution
A fully automatic and autonomous pool cleaning robot equipped with a drive system, interfacing modules, and an interface manipulator that allows it to exit the pool independently by climbing the sidewall and transitioning to an external surface, using tracks and auxiliary drive systems for navigation and propulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If pool cleaning robots are manually immersed and retrieved, then human control over the cleaning process is maintained, but significant human intervention is required making the process time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The exit mechanism is divided into separate functional modules: climbing modules with gripping elements for sidewall ascent, rolling modules for transitioning to the rolling surface, and propulsion modules for movement on the rolling surface. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while working together to achieve autonomous exit
Solution Approach 2:
The pool cleaning robot performs its own immersion and retrieval operations without human assistance. The autonomous exit system enables the robot to independently climb the sidewall, transition to the rolling surface, and be transported outside the pool, eliminating the need for manual handling
2Productivity
If manual retrieval is used, then device complexity is minimized, but productivity is reduced due to time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system dynamically adapts its configuration based on the operational phase. During pool cleaning, the robot uses crawling propulsion with gripping elements. During exit, the system transitions to rolling propulsion on the rolling surface. This dynamic adaptation optimizes performance for each specific task while maintaining overall system efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The interfacing modules serve multiple functions: they provide gripping capability for sidewall climbing, transition to rolling contact for surface movement, and enable propulsion in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems
3Ease of operation
If manual handling is required, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult immersion and retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
A rolling surface acts as an intermediary between the pool environment and the external environment. The robot transitions from climbing the sidewall directly to rolling on this intermediate surface, which then interfaces with external transport mechanisms. This intermediary simplifies the overall operation by providing a stable transition zone
Data Source
AI summary
A kit that may include an interfacing device that includes pool sidewall interface, and a pool cleaning robot that includes a housing and a drive system. The drive system may include a drive motor system, a group of interfacing modules and a transmission system that is arranged to mechanically couple the drive motor system to the group of interfacing modules. At least one interfacing module of the group may include protuberances that are shaped to fit a non-smooth surface of the pool sidewall interface.